Acupuncture FAQs

Most people are surprised to find that acupuncture is far less painful than they expect. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin — about the width of a human hair, and 25–50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. Patients most commonly feel a slight tingling sensation, warmth, or a dull spreading ache called "de qi" at the needle site — this is actually a positive therapeutic response indicating the needle has reached the right depth. Many patients fall asleep during treatments. If you ever feel sharp or uncomfortable pain, simply let your practitioner know so they can adjust.

Treatment frequency and duration depend on your condition, how long you've had it, and your overall health. Acute conditions (like a recent sprain or injury) may resolve in 4–6 sessions. Chronic conditions often benefit from 10–12 sessions to see lasting results, then periodic maintenance. Most practitioners recommend starting with 1–2 visits per week, then tapering as you improve. Your practitioner will discuss a personalized treatment plan at your first visit.

When performed by a licensed, board-certified acupuncture physician, acupuncture is extremely safe. We use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles — eliminating any risk of infection. Common minor side effects may include slight bruising or mild soreness at needle sites, which resolve quickly. Serious adverse events are exceedingly rare in the hands of qualified practitioners. Acupuncture is also safe during pregnancy when performed by a qualified provider who adjusts point selection appropriately.

Your first visit is a comprehensive intake lasting 60–90 minutes. Your practitioner will take a detailed health history, discuss your chief complaints and health goals, and perform a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment — which includes examining your tongue and feeling your pulse, both important diagnostic tools in TCM. They will then develop a personalized treatment plan and likely perform your first acupuncture session that day. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your lower legs, arms, and abdomen.

Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture, particularly for back pain, following updated guidelines from Medicare and major commercial insurers. Coverage varies widely by plan and diagnosis. We recommend calling your insurance provider to ask about acupuncture coverage. We are happy to provide superbills and documentation to assist with insurance reimbursement. FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSA (Health Savings Accounts) can typically be used for acupuncture treatments.

Yes — fertility acupuncture is one of our specialties. Acupuncture supports fertility by regulating reproductive hormones, improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, reducing stress (which suppresses fertility hormones), and improving egg quality. Research shows it can improve pregnancy rates for women undergoing IVF. We recommend starting acupuncture 3–6 months before attempting conception for optimal results. We also offer DUTCH hormone testing and menstrual cycle mapping for a complete picture of your hormonal health.

Modern research has identified several mechanisms: (1) Endorphin release — acupuncture stimulates the body's natural pain-killing hormones. (2) Nervous system modulation — it activates the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") nervous system, reducing inflammation and pain signals. (3) Anti-inflammatory effects — acupuncture reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and TNF-α. (4) Hormonal regulation — it modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, affecting cortisol, reproductive hormones, and more. (5) Fascia stimulation — needles stimulate connective tissue pathways that have their own electrical and signaling properties.

Chinese herbal medicine uses combinations of plant, mineral, and occasionally animal substances formulated specifically for each patient's pattern of imbalance. We have an on-site Chinese herbal pharmacy and our practitioners are NCCAOM board-certified in Chinese Herbology. Herbal formulas powerfully complement acupuncture by extending the treatment's effects between sessions. Research supports Chinese herbal medicine for conditions including PCOS, IBS, eczema, and more. Our customized formulas are dispensed fresh from our pharmacy — rare in South Florida.

Cupping involves placing glass or silicone cups on the skin and creating suction. This draws blood and lymph to the area, releases myofascial tension, improves circulation, and reduces muscle pain and stiffness. It's commonly used for back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, and sports recovery. You may notice circular reddish marks on the skin after cupping — these are not bruises but petechiae (blood drawn to the surface) and typically fade within 3–7 days. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture for enhanced results.

NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique) is a non-invasive, drug-free method that combines principles of kinesiology, acupuncture, and nutrition to eliminate allergies and sensitivities. During treatment, you hold a sample vial of the allergen while the practitioner applies acupressure to specific spinal points, essentially reprogramming your immune system's response to that substance. We are NAET certified and have helped many patients eliminate debilitating seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, chemical sensitivities, and environmental allergies.

Acupuncture supports weight management by regulating appetite-controlling hormones (leptin and ghrelin), reducing stress-driven eating (cortisol-related cravings), improving digestive function, and boosting metabolism. We offer comprehensive weight management programs that combine acupuncture with nutritional counseling, Juice Plus+ supplementation, and lifestyle guidance. Auricular (ear) acupuncture targeting specific appetite and metabolism points is particularly effective as part of a weight management protocol.

Back pain is one of the most extensively studied conditions for acupuncture. A landmark 2017 meta-analysis in the Journal of Pain (Vickers et al.) of 20,827 patients confirmed acupuncture provides clinically significant pain relief for back pain — with effects lasting over one year. The American College of Physicians now includes acupuncture in its clinical guidelines as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain. Medicare covers acupuncture specifically for chronic low back pain. Back pain is one of our most commonly and successfully treated conditions.

DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a sophisticated urine-based test that provides a complete picture of your hormonal health — including sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), adrenal hormones (cortisol, DHEA), and their metabolites. It's far more comprehensive than standard blood tests and shows not just hormone levels, but how your body processes and clears them. We use DUTCH testing to identify hormone imbalances underlying fatigue, weight gain, sleep issues, PMS, infertility, and menopausal symptoms, then create targeted treatment plans.

Absolutely. Acupuncture is among the most effective treatments for migraine prevention. A 2016 Cochrane Collaboration review of 22 trials (4,985 participants) found that acupuncture is at least as effective as prophylactic drug treatment for migraines — with significantly fewer side effects. Acupuncture reduces migraine frequency by modulating serotonin pathways, reducing neurogenic inflammation, and calming trigeminal nerve activity. Many of our patients see their migraine frequency cut in half or more within 6–8 weeks of treatment.

Acupuncture powerfully calms the nervous system. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, increases GABA (the brain's calming neurotransmitter), reduces cortisol, and decreases adrenaline levels. For insomnia, acupuncture improves both sleep onset time and overall sleep quality. For anxiety, it reduces hyperactivation of the amygdala and HPA axis. Patients routinely describe feeling deeply relaxed — sometimes euphoric — after treatments, and many fall asleep during sessions themselves. Results typically build progressively over multiple treatments.

Meridians are pathways through which "qi" (vital energy) flows in the body, as described in Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are 12 primary meridians, each connected to an organ system. When qi flows freely and is balanced, health is maintained. When it's blocked or imbalanced, symptoms arise. Modern research has found correlations between meridian pathways and fascial planes, connective tissue networks, and neurovascular bundles — suggesting a physiological basis for this ancient system that was mapped over 2,000 years ago.

Yes, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy when performed by a qualified, licensed practitioner who adjusts point selection to avoid contraindicated points. Acupuncture during pregnancy effectively helps with morning sickness (nausea), back pain, pelvic girdle pain, anxiety, insomnia, and preparing the body for labor (using specific points in the final trimester). Always inform your practitioner that you are pregnant so they can modify your treatment accordingly.

Both Theresa McIntosh and Jenna Vilardo are Florida Licensed Acupuncture Physicians (AP) and NCCAOM Board Certified Diplomates in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology — the highest certification level in the field. Theresa completed a rigorous four-year post-graduate program at the Community School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and passed National Boards in New York. Both practitioners complete continuing education annually to stay current with the latest research and techniques. They are also NAET certified and DUTCH testing certified.

For best results: (1) Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before treatment — never come on an empty stomach. (2) Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your arms, lower legs, and abdomen. (3) Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of treatment. (4) Bring a list of current medications and supplements. (5) Arrive 10–15 minutes early for your first visit to complete intake paperwork. (6) After treatment, stay hydrated and try to avoid intense exercise for the rest of the day to let the treatment integrate fully.

Yes! Children respond beautifully to acupuncture and often require fewer needles and shorter session times than adults. We use very fine pediatric needles and gentle techniques. Acupuncture is effective for children with ADHD, anxiety, allergies, asthma, digestive issues, growing pains, and sports injuries. We can also use non-needle techniques like acupressure and shonishin (Japanese pediatric acupuncture tools) for children who prefer to avoid needles. NAET allergy treatment is particularly popular and effective with children of all ages.